7-azaindoles as inhibitors of c-jun n-terminal kinases for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel 3,5-substituted 7-azaindole compounds of formula (I), their use in the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases, their use in medecine and particularly in the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders related to apoptosis and/or inflammation. The invention also provides processes for manufacture of said compounds, compositions containing them and processes for manufacturing such compositions.

The present invention relates to novel 3,5-substituted 7-azaindole compounds, their use in the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases, their use in medicine and particularly in the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders related to apoptosis and/or inflammation. The invention also provides processes for manufacture of said compounds, compositions containing them and processes for manufacturing such compositions.

c-Jun N-terminal kinases (hereinafter referred to as “JNKs”) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNKs are involved in response to various stimuli, including proinflammatory cytokines and environmental stress. JNKs, and JNK3 in particular, play an important role during apoptotic death of cells and therefore have been implicated in various disorders including stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and others. Since JNK activity is a physiological regulator of AP-1 transcriptional activity, JNK inhibitors are expected to reduce inflammatory response.

Apoptosis is a form of cell death in which the cell actively participates in its own destruction in a process involving a characteristic series of biochemical and morphological changes which are regulated by specific cell death genes. The apoptotic cell death is a process that has been observed in the developing mammalian nervous system. In mice, the inactivation by homologous recombination of genes that encode proteins that promote apoptosis, such as the caspase-3 or the Bax protein, prevents developmental neuronal cell death. The destruction of genes that encode cell death suppressors such as Bcl-x, leads to enhanced neuronal cell death. There is increasing evidence that apoptosis plays an important role in the pathology of acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. For example, in transgenic mice overexpressing the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein in the nervous system there is a decrease in infarct volume following cerebral ischemia. Similarly, injection of the caspase inhibitor BAF reduces neuronal cell death following hypoxia/ischaemia in neonatal rats. Another example is spinal muscular atrophy (a motor neurondisease) where loss of function mutations in the SMN gene is associated with the disease. Recent data has shown that the wild type SMN protein binds to Bcl-2 and co-operates with it to inhibit apoptosis. These results suggest that inhibitors of neuronal apoptosis could be beneficial in the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases. There is increasing evidence that neuronal apoptosis is an important pathological feature of stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, pharmacotherapy using inhibitors of neuronal apoptosis may provide a therapeutic benefit in neurodegenerative conditions.

A number of groups have studied the mechanisms of neuronal cell death using in vitro cell culture systems and the results suggest that in some systems the transcription factor c-Jun is activated by the removal of survival signals and promotes cell death.

Antibodies specific for c-Jun protected NGF-deprived rat sympathetic neurones from apoptosis. Analogous neuroprotection due to expression of a c-Jun dominant negative mutant has been demonstrated, whereas overexpression of wild type c-Jun protein was sufficient to induce apoptosis in the presence of NGF. Estus and co-workers recently showed that an increase in c-Jun RNA levels occurs in cortical neurones undergoing apoptosis after treatment with β-amyloid peptide (Estus et al., 1997, J. Neurosci. 17, 7736-7745). It has also been shown that c-Jun is required for apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurones deprived of survival signals.

c-Jun is activated by JNKs, which phosphorylate its transcriptional activation domain. In humans there are three JNK genes JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3. The RNAs encoding JNK1 and JNK2 are expressed in many tissues, including the brain, but JNK3 is restricted to the nervous system and to a smaller extent the heart and testes.

JNKs are strongly activated in cellular responses to various stresses such as UV radiation, heat shock, osmotic shock, DNA-damaging agents, and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, IL-1β and others. Upstream regulators of the JNK pathway include kinases such as SEK1, MKK7 and MEKK1. There is evidence that Jun kinase activity is required for neuronal apoptosis in vitro. Overexpression of MEKK1 in sympathetic neurones increased c-Jun protein levels and phosphorylation and induced apoptosis in the presence of NGF indicating that activation of the Jun kinase pathway can trigger neuronal cell death. The Jun kinase pathway has been shown to be necessary for the death of differentiated PC12 cells deprived of NGF. Furthermore, compound CEP-1347, which inhibits the c-Jun pathway (upstream of Jun kinase), protects motor neurones against cell death induced by survival factor withdrawal.

In JNK3 homozygous (−/−) knockout mice, epileptic seizures and death of hippocampal CA3 neurones induced by injection of kainic acid is blocked. This indicates that JNK3 is involved in certain forms of neuronal cell death in vivo. It is also a critical component of GluR6-mediated excitotoxicity. Furthermore, JNK3 (−/−) mice appear to develop normally and are viable suggesting that JNK3 is not essential for development or viability.

Strong nuclear JNK3 immunoreactivity in the brain CA1 neurones of patients with acute hypoxia suggests that JNK3 is involved in hypoxia-related neurodegeneration. Transient hypoxia, may also trigger apoptosis through JNK signaling pathway in developing brain neurones.

Furthermore, JNK3 immunoreactivity is colocalized with Alzheimer disease-affected neurones. Moreover JNK3 is related to neurofibrillary pathology of Alzheimer disease. In particular, JNK3 induces robust phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) thus affecting its metabolism in disease state.

The present inventors have provided compounds which are inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinases.

The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) as defined below

wherein

-   R stands for carbocyclyl, substituted carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or     substituted heterocyclyl, wherein     -   the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or optionally substituted         heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to an unsaturated,         partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered         ring containing zero to three heteroatoms,     -   each substitutable carbon atom in R, including the optional         fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one         or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl, halogen,         haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R²,         NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R²,         SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or         different and is as defined below and wherein:         -   the C₁₋₁₂ all optionally incorporates one or two insertions             selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—,             —S(O)— and —S(O₂)— wherein each R² may be the same or             different and is as defined below;         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is             optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl,             OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR²,             NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R²,             SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²; wherein each R² may be the same or             different and is as defined below and         -   the carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally             substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl,     -   each saturated carbon in the optional fused ring is further         optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, ═NNHR²,         NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein         each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below;         and     -   each substitutable nitrogen atom in R is optionally substituted         by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the         same or different and is as defined below; -   R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one     or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN,     NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂,     S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂     alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected     from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—,     wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined     below; -   R³ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of     C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN, NR⁴R⁴,     NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂,     S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂     alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected     from the group consisting of —O—, —N⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein     each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined below; -   R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; -   R′ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, carbocyclyl or     heterocyclyl,     -   each of which is optionally substituted, wherein:         -   the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl group             is optionally fused to one to three unsaturated, partially             unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered rings             containing zero to three heteroatoms,         -   each substitutable carbon atom in R′, including the optional             fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by             one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂             heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl halogen, haloalkyl, OR²,             SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R²,             CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R²,             NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and             is as defined above and wherein:         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two             insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—,             —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R² may be             the same or different and is as defined above;         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl,             aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one             or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R²,             NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR²,             CONR²R², S(O)R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²,             wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as             defined above; and         -   the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or             heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more             C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups;     -   each saturated carbon in R′, including the optional fused ring,         is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S,         NNR²OR², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein         each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above;         and     -   each substitutable nitrogen atom in R′ is optionally substituted         by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R² wherein each R² and R³ may be the         same or different and is as defined above; -   R″ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of     which is optionally substituted, wherein:     -   the said carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl is optionally fused to one         to three unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated         five to seven membered ring containing zero to three         heteroatoms,     -   each substitutable carbon atom in R″, including the optional         fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one         or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂         heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, haloalkyl, OR²,         SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R²,         CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂N²R²,         NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is         as defined below and wherein:         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporate one or two             insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—,             —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—;         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl,             aryl, and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by             one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, unsaturated or partly             saturated cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, OR², SR², NO₂,             CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR² COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R²,             COR², CONR²R², S(O)R², SO₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²,             wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as             defined above; and         -   the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and             heteroaryl groups, are optionally substituted by one or more             C₁₋₁₂ alkyl     -   each saturated carbon in R″, including the optional fused ring,         is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S,         NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein         each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above;         and     -   each substitutable nitrogen atom in R″ is optionally substituted         by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the         same or different and is as defined above; -   X is NR⁵; O, S or C₁₋₄ alkylene that is optionally substituted by     one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R²,     NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R²,     S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be     the same or different and is as defined above and R⁵ is H, C₁₋₄     alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and -   Y is absent or is NR⁶, O, CR⁶R⁶, or C₁₋₄ alkylene wherein each R⁶     may be the same or different and is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy or     C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and -   Z is O, S or NR⁷ wherein each R⁷ may be the same or different and is     hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more of     halide, OR⁸, NR⁸R⁸ or aryl, where R⁸ is independently H, C₁₋₄ alkyl,     C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy;     and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and other     pharmaceutically acceptable biohydrolyzable derivatives thereof,     including esters, amides, carbamates, carbonates, ureides, solvates,     hydrates, affinity reagents or prodrugs thereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, when a group as defined above contains two or more radicals, e.g. the radical R², as for example in the groups SO₂NR²R² and NR²COR², the radicals R² may be the same or different.

For the purposes of this invention, “alkyl” means a straight chain or branched alkyl radical of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms and most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl etc. The term “alkenyl” means a straight chain or branched alkylenyl radical of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and most preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and includes but is not limited to ethylene, n-propyl-1-ene, n-propyl-2-ene, isopropylene, etc. The term “alkynyl” means a straight chain or branched alkynyl radical of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and most preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and containing one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and includes but is not limited to ethynyl, 2-methylethynyl etc. The term “cycloalkyl” means an saturated or partly unsaturated 3-12 membered cyclic alkyl group and includes but not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl etc. Cycloalkyl groups may be optionally substituted or fused to one or more aryl, heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl group. “Heterocycloalkyl” means a 3-12 membered saturated or partly unsaturated cycloalkyl containing one or more hetero atom selected from N, S and O. “Haloalkyl” means an alkyl radical substituted with one or more halide atoms for example CH₂CH₂Br, CF₃ or CCl₃.

“Carbocyclyl” relates to a saturated, partly unsaturated or unsaturated 3-10 membered hydrocarbon ring, including cycloalkyl and aryl.

“Aryl” means an aromatic 3-10 membered hydrocarbon containing one ring or being fused to one or more saturated or unsaturated rings including but not limited to phenyl, napthyl, anthracenyl or phenanthracenyl.

“Heteroaryl” means an aromatic 3-10 membered aryl containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S and containing one ring or being fused to one or more saturated or unsaturated rings and.

“Heterocyclyl” means a 3-10 membered ring system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S and includes heteroaryl. The heterocyclyl system can contain one ring or may be fused to one or more saturated or unsaturated rings; the heterocyclyl can be fully saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated and includes but is not limited to heteroaryl and heterocarbocyclyl, e.g. cyclohexyl, phenyl, acridine, benzimidazole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, carbazole, cinnoline, dioxin, dioxane, dioxolane, dithiane, dithiazine, dithiazole, dithiolane, furan, imidazole, imidazoline, imidazolidine, indole, indoline, indolizine, indazole, isoindole, isoquinoline, isoxazole, isothiazole, morpholine, napthyridine, oxazole, oxadiazole, oxathiazole, oxathiazolidine, oxazine, oxadiazine, phenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, phthalazine, piperazine, piperidine, pteridine, purine, pyran, pyrazine, pyrazole, pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, pyridazine, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, quinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, quinolizine, tetrahydrofuran, tetrazine, tetrazole, thiophene, thiadiazine, thiadiazole, thiatriazole, thiazine, thiazole, thiomorpholine, thianaphthalene, thiopyran, triazine, triazole, and trithiane.

Halogen means F, Cl, Br or I, preferably F.

Preferably, R is an aryl or a heteroaryl radical, optionally substituted with one or more of alkyl, haloalkyl, halogen, OR², SR², SOR², (NR²)₂, wherein R² is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or haloalkyl. More preferably R is aryl, more preferable phenyl or napthyl, most preferably phenyl; the heterocyclyl group is preferably furanyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl or quinolinyl. If R is phenyl, it is preferably substituted in the 3-(meta) position or the 4-(para) position.

When R is substituted, the preferred substituent is F, Cl or Br, more preferably F; or haloalkyl, preferably CF₃, or alkyl, preferably methyl, ethyl or propyl. Most preferably, R is 3-fluorophenyl.

R′ is preferably C₄ alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, especially when Y stands for an alkylene group. R′ may also stand for aryl, preferably phenyl, or a heteroaryl containing up to 3 hetero atoms, or a cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group, each of which may be fused to one or more aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl rings, each optionally substituted by one or more of alkyl, halide or alkoxy.

R″ is preferably H, C₁₋₄ alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl or propyl), aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl. R″ is most preferably H.

X is preferably NR⁵, most preferably NH, or a straight chain or branched C₁₋₄ alkylene and preferably methylene or ethylene;

Y is preferably either absent or a straight of branched chain C₁₋₄, e.g. methylene or methylmethylene, or NH especially when X stands for NR⁵.

Z is preferably O.

Preferably aryl is phenyl or napthyl; alkylaryl is preferably methyl or ethyl carrying one or more phenyl groups (for example —CH₂Ph or —C(Ph)₃) wherein the aryl group may be substituted by any of the substituents discussed above e.g. methoxy; heterocyclyl is preferably 2-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-quinolinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 1-isoquinolinyl or 4-quinolinyl, more preferably 2-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl, the cycloalkyl group is a 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 membered ring and can be fused to one or more aryl, heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl group.

Preferably phenyl groups are substituted with halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl alkylaryl, NO₂, NH₂ or alkoxy; preferably naphthyl groups are optionally substituted with alkyl more preferably with methyl; preferably heterocyclyl groups are optionally substituted with haloalkyl, alkyl, CN or alkoxy.

Preferably halogen is F, Cl or Br; alkyl is preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; haloalkyl is preferably CF₃.

In a preferred feature of the first aspect, there is provided a compound of formula (Ia) as defined below;

wherein (Ia)

-   R stands for carbocyclyl, substituted carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or     substituted heterocyclyl, wherein     -   the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or optionally substituted         heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to an unsaturated,         partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered         ring containing zero to three heteroatoms,     -   each substitutable carbon atom in R, including the optional         fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one         or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl, halogen,         haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R² NR²COR², NR²CONR²R²,         NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R²,         SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or         different and is as defined below and wherein:         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl optionally incorporates one or two             insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—,             —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)— wherein each R² may be             the same or different and is as defined below;         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is             optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl,             OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR²,             NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)R², SONH₂, S(O)R²,             SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²; wherein each R² may be the same or             different and is as defined below and         -   the carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally             substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl,     -   each saturated carbon in the optional fused ring is further         optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, ═NNHR²,         NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein         each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below;         and     -   each substitutable nitrogen atom in R is optionally substituted         by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the         same or different and is as defined below; -   R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one     or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN,     NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂,     S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂     alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected     from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—,     wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined     below; -   R³ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of     C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN, NR⁴R⁴,     NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂,     S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂     alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected     from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—,     wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined     below; -   R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; -   R′ is C₁₋₁₂ alky, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, carbocyclyl or     heterocyclyl, each of which is optionally substituted, wherein:     -   the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl group is         optionally fused to one to three unsaturated, partially         unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered rings         containing zero to three heteroatoms,     -   each substitutable carbon atom in R′, including the optional         fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one         or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂         heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR²,         NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R²,         COR², CONR²R², S(O₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²,         wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined         above and wherein:         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two             insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—,             —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R² may be             the same or different and is as defined above;         -   the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl,             aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one             or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R²,             NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR²,             CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²,             wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as             defined above; and         -   the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or             heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more             C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups;     -   each saturated carbon in R′, including the optional fused ring,         is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S,         NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein         each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above;         and     -   each substitutable nitrogen atom in R′ is optionally substituted         by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R² wherein each R² and R³ may be the         same or different and is as defined above; -   X is NR⁵; O, S or C₁₋₄ alkylene that is optionally substituted by     one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R²,     NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R²,     S(O)₂R², SONH₂S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be     the same or different and is as defined above and R⁵ is H, C₁₋₄     alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and -   Y is absent or is NR⁶, O, CR⁶R⁶, or C₁₋₄ alkylene wherein each R⁶     may be the same or different and is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy or     C₁₋₄ haloalkyl;     and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and other     pharmaceutically acceptable biohydrolyzable derivatives thereof,     including esters, amides, carbamates, carbonates, ureides, solvates,     hydrates, affinity reagents or prodrugs thereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, when a group as defined above contains two or more radicals, e.g. the radical R², as for example in the groups SO₂NR²R² and NR²COR², the radicals R² may be the same or different.

Preferred R, R′, X and Y groups for compounds of formula (Ia) are as defined for a compound of formula (I).

Representative compounds according to the first aspect of the invention are illustrated below.

The compounds of the invention may be provided as a salt, preferably as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of compounds of formula (I). Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds include those derived from organic acids such as acetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, phenylacetic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulphonic acid, benzenesulphonic acid and p-toluenesulphonic acid, mineral acids such as hydrochloric and sulphuric acid and the like, giving methanesulphonate, benzenesulphonate, p-toluenesulphonate, hydrochloride and sulphate, and the like, respectively or those derived from bases such as organic and inorganic bases. Examples of suitable inorganic bases for the formation of salts of compounds for this invention include the hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates of ammonia, lithium, sodium, calcium, potassium, aluminium, iron, magnesium, zinc and the like. Salts can also be formed with suitable organic bases. Such bases suitable for the formation of pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts with compounds of the present invention include organic bases which are nontoxic and strong enough to form salts. Such organic bases are already well known in the art and may include amino acids such as arginine and lysine, mono-, di-, or trihydroxyalkylamines such as mono-, di-, and triethanolamine, choline, mono-, di-, and trialkylamines, such as methylarine, dimethylamine, and trimethylamine, guanidine; N-methylglucosamine; N-methylpiperazine; morpholine; ethylenediamine; N-benzylphenethylamine; trishydroxymethyl) aminomethane; and the like.

Salts may be prepared in a conventional manner using methods well known in the art. Acid addition salts of said basic compounds may be prepared by dissolving the free base compounds according to the first or second aspects of the invention in aqueous or aqueous alcohol solution or other suitable solvents containing the required acid. Where a compound of the invention contains an acidic function, a base salt of said compound may be prepared by reacting said compound with a suitable base. The acid or base salt may separate directly or can be obtained by concentrating the solution e.g. by evaporation. The compounds of this invention may also exist in solvated or hydrated forms.

The invention also extends to a prodrug of the aforementioned compounds. A prodrug is any compound that may be converted under physiological conditions or by solvolysis to any of the compounds of the invention or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compounds of the invention. A prodrug may be inactive when administered to a subject but is converted in vivo to an active compound of the invention.

The compounds of the invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic and optically active forms. The first aspect of the invention covers all of these compounds.

The present invention also provides a process for the manufacture of any one or more of the compounds of the general formula (I) as defined above. According to the process, a compound of the general formula (II) in which R and R″ are as defined above and R¹³ stands for C₁₋₆ straight or branched alkyl, undergoes a condensation reaction with the compound of the general formula (III) to form the compound of the general formula (I) in which Z stands for oxygen.

In the formulae (II) and (III), L¹ and L² stand for radicals that together form a condensation product, e.g. H and OH or H and Cl. The condensation reaction occurs in a solution in a polar aprotic solvent such as e.g. dimethylformamide or dichloromethane under the influence of coupling agents such as, for instance WSCHCl, DCC, BOP, PyBrOP, etc., and in the presence of a tertiary amine (e.g. triethylamine) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT). Alternatively, the acid (II) may be first converted to an acid chloride by treatment with, for example, oxalyl chloride or thionyl chloride, and then without purification, reacted with, e.g. amines of formula (III).

The compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia)

in which Z stands for O can be converted into the compounds of the general formula (I) in which Z stands for S by action of P₄S₁₀ optionally in the presence of a base (e.g. pyridine), action of Lawesson's reagent in an aprotic solvent or other similar reagents. Compounds of general formula (I) or (Ia) in which Z=O can be converted into the compounds of the general formula (I) in which Z stands for NR⁷ by action of NH₂OH, NH₃, primary amine/P(O)Cl₃ system. They may also be prepared from (I) (Z=S) by the reaction with NH₂OH, NH₃, hydrazine and its derivatives.

In accordance with the present invention, the compound of the general formula (I) can be made from the compound of the general formula (IV).

The compound of the general formula (IV) can be made from 7-azaindole according to processes known in the art, see for example Glennon, K. C. et al. (WO00/56710) and Viaud, M.-C. et al. (EP0737685) and Cheung, M. et al. (WO99/21859).

An example of a suitable scheme for the production of the compound of the general formula (IV) is:

Compound (IV) can be halogenated in the 2 position to form a compound of the general formula (V) in which hal stands for a halogen, principally F or Cl. The halogen derivative (V) can be prepared from (IV), e.g. by the action of neat P(O)Cl₃ at elevated temperature (about 100° C.), e.g.:

(where R is an optionally substituted aryl group). Compound (V) can then be hydrogenated, e.g. with hydrogen in the presence of a suitable metal catalyst, such as e.g. palladium on activated carbon, and suitable amine such as e.g. triethylamine to form the compound of the general formula (VI) in which R″ stands for hydrogen. The reaction can be run using a solution of compound (V) in a single solvent (e.g. alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol) or a mixture of solvents including e.g. an alcohol, dichloromethane, chloroform, etc., e.g.

In order to make a compound of the general I in which R″ stands for a radical other than hydrogen, the R″ radical can be introduced into the compound of the formula (VI)

in which R″ stands for hydrogen by first of all protecting the nitrogen in the 1 position, e.g. with a phenylsulphonyl group which may be introduced following treatment with an alkyl lithium and reaction with the halide of the protecting group, e.g. phenylsulphonylhalide to form a compound of the general formula (IX) in which prot stands for a protecting group:

Group R″ (i.e. a radical other than hydrogen) can be introduced into compound (IX) using, for example, alkyl lithium followed by a halide of R″ to form a compound of the general formula (VI), in which R″ is a radical other than hydrogen:

Compound (VI) (in which R″ is hydrogen or another radical as defined above) can be protected in the 1 position by trialkylsilanyl halide of the general formula (R¹³)₃Si-halide in which R¹³ is as defined above for example by the action of a strong base, such as n-butyllithium on a solution of (VI) in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, followed by trialkylsilanyl halide (either neat or as a solution in a suitable solvent) to form a compound of the general formula (VII):

Compound (VII) can be halogenated in the 3 position, preferably by action of an equimolar amount of bromine (either neat or as a solution in a suitable solvent such as CCl₄, CH₂Cl₂, etc.) on a solution of compound (VII) in the same or similar solvent containing a slight excess of amine (e.g. pyridine), at or around room temperature to form a compound of general formula (VIII) (in which Hal stands for halogen, preferably bromine), which can be reacted with a alkali metal compound, e.g. alkyl lithium such as tertiary butyl lithium, followed by CO₂ to form the compound of the general formula (II)

in which Z is O and L¹ is OH.

The use of the intermediates of the general formula (VI)

wherein R′ and R″ are as defined for the first aspect of the invention, in the manufacture of the compounds of the general formula (I) is novel and forms a third aspect of the present invention.

Examples of intermediates of the third aspect are illustrated below:

An intermediate of the third aspect of the invention may be converted into another intermediate of the general formula (VI) by methods known in the art.

The present invention also encompasses a process for manufacturing a compound of the general formula (I), the process comprising providing a starting material, which is commercially available or can be produced by a method known in the art, converting the starting material to form an intermediate compound of the general formula (VI) using a process as described above or a process known in the art (and optionally converting the intermediate compound so formed into another intermediate compound) and then converting the intermediate compound into a compound of the first aspect using a process as described above or a process known in the art (and optionally converting the compound of the general formula (I) so formed into another compound of the general formula).

The present invention also provides a composition comprising a compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia) as defined above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

The composition may also comprise one or more additional active agent, such as an anti-inflammatory agent (for example a p38 inhibitor, glutamate receptor antagonist, or a calcium channel antagonist), a chemotherapeutic agent and/or an antiproliferative agent.

Suitable carriers and/or diluents are well known in the art and include pharmaceutical grade starch, mannitol, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, (or other sugar), magnesium carbonate, gelatin, oil, alcohol, detergents, emulsifiers or water (preferably sterile). The composition may be a mixed preparation of a composition or may be a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use (including administration).

The composition according to the invention for use in the aforementioned indications may be administered by any convenient method, for example by oral including by inhalation), parenteral, mucosal (e.g. buccal, sublingual, nasal), rectal or transdermal administration and the compositions adapted accordingly.

For oral administration, the composition can be formulated as liquids or solids, for example solutions, syrups, suspensions or emulsions, tablets, capsules and lozenges.

A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or physiologically acceptable salt in a suitable aqueous or non-aqueous liquid carrier(s) for example water, ethanol, glycerine, polyethylene glycol or an oil. The formulation may also contain a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring or colouring agent.

A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s) routinely used for preparing solid formulations. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and microcrystalline cellulose.

A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures. For example, powders, granules or pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule; alternatively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s), for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Compositions for oral administration may be designed to protect the active ingredient against degradation as it passes through the alimentary tract, for example by an outer coating of the formulation on a tablet or capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or physiologically acceptable salt in a sterile aqueous or non-aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilised and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

Compositions for nasal or oral administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels and powders. Aerosol formulations typically comprise a solution or fine suspension of the active substance in a physiologically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container, which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device. Alternatively the sealed container may be a unitary dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve which is intended for disposal once the contents of the container have been exhausted. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant. The aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of a pump-atomiser.

Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges and pastilles, wherein the active ingredient is formulated with a carrier such as sugar and acacia, tragacanth, or gelatin and glycerin.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are conveniently in the form of suppositories (containing a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter), pessaries, vaginal tabs, foams or enemas.

Compositions suitable for transdermal administration include ointments, gels, patches and injections including powder injections.

Conveniently the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet, capsule or ampoule.

In addition, the present invention provides a process for the manufacture of a composition according to the invention, as described above. The manufacture can be carried out by standard techniques well known in the art and involves combining a compound according to the first aspect of the invention and the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The composition may be in any form including a tablet, a liquid, a capsule, and a powder or in the form of a food product, e.g. a functional food. In the latter case the food product itself may act as the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In addition, the present invention relates to a compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia) or a composition containing the compound, for use in therapy/medicine.

The compounds of the present invention are inhibitors of JNK, such as JNK1, JNK, or JNK3. In particular, the compounds of the present invention are inhibitors of JNK3. Preferably, the compounds of the present invention inhibit JNK3 specifically.

One advantage of the compounds of the present invention is that they show a good stability to liver microsomes, at least when tested in vitro and hence are are not rapidly metabolically removed from the body.

The compounds are therefore useful for conditions for which inhibition of JNK activity is beneficial. Thus, preferably, this aspect provides a compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia), or a composition of the present invention, as described above, for the prevention or treatment of a JNK-mediated disorder.

The compounds of the general formula (I) or (Ia) may thus be used for the inhibition of JNK, more preferably for the inhibition of JNK3.

A “JNK-mediated disorder” is any disease or deleterious condition in which JNK plays a role. Examples include neurodegenerative disorder (including dementia), inflammatory disease, a disorder linked to apoptosis, particularly neuronal apoptosis, autoimmune disease, destructive bone disorder, proliferative disorder, cancer, infectious disease, allergy, ischemia reperfusion injury, heart attack, angiogenic disorder, organ hypoxia, vascular hyperplasia, cardiac hypertrophy, thrombin induced platelet aggregation and any condition associated with prostaglandin endoperoxidase synthase-2. The compounds of the present invention may be used for any of these INK-mediated disorders.

The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful for the prevention or treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder. In particular, the neurodegenerative disorder results from apoptosis and/or inflammation. Examples of neurodegenerative disorders are: dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Huntington's disease; senile chorea; Sydenham's chorea; hypoglycemia; head and spinal cord trauma including traumatic head injury; acute and chronic pain; epilepsy and seizures; olivopontocerebellar dementia; neuronal cell death; hypoxia-related neurodegeneration; acute hypoxia; glutamate toxicity including glutamate neurotoxicity; cerebral ischemia; dementia linked to meningitis and/or neurosis; cerebrovascular dementia; or dementia in an HIV-infected patient.

The neurodegenerative disorder may be a peripheral neuropathy, including mononeuropathy, multiple mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy. Examples of peripheral neuropathy may be found in diabetes mellitus, Lyme disease or uremia; peripheral neuropathy caused by a toxic agent; demyelinating disease such as acute or chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy, leukodystrophies, or Guillain-Barré syndrome; multiple mononeuropathy secondary to a collagen vascular disorder (e.g. polyarteritis nodosa, SLE, Sjögren's syndrome); multiple mononeuropathy secondary to sarcoidosis; multiple mononeuropathy secondary to a metabolic disease (e.g. diabetes or amyloidosis); or multiple mononeuropathy secondary to an infectious disease (e.g. Lyme disease or HIV infection).

The compounds of the invention can also be used to prevent or treat disorders resulting from inflammation. These include, for example, inflammatory bowel disorder, bronchitis, asthma, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, allergies of various types, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. Autoimmune diseases which may also be treated or prevented by the compounds of the present invention include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, glumerulonephrtis, scleroderma, chronic thyroiditis, Graves's disease, autoimmune gastritis, diabetes, autoimmune haemolytis anaemia, autoimmune neutropaenia, thrombocytopenia, atopic dermatitis, chronic active hepatitis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis or graft vs host disease.

A compound of the present invention may be administered simultaneously, subsequently or sequentially with one or more other active agent, such as an anti-inflammatory agent e.g. p38 inhibitor, glutamate receptor antagonist, calcium channel antagonist, a chemotherapeutic agent or an antiproliferative agent. For example, for acute treatment, a p38 inhibitor may be administered to a patient prior to administering a compound of the present invention.

The compounds of the invention will normally be administered in a daily dosage regimen (for an adult patient) of, for example, an oral dose of between 1 mg and 2000 mg, preferably between 30 mg and 1000 mg, e.g. between 10 and 250 mg or an intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular dose of between 0.1 mg and 100 mg, preferably between 0.1 mg and 50 mg, e.g. between 1 and 25 mg of the compound of the formula (I) or (Ia), or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free base, the compound being administered 1 to 4 times per day. Suitably the compounds will be administered for a period of continuous therapy, for example for a week or more.

Accordingly the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing a JNK-mediated disorder in an individual, which method comprises administering to said individual a compound of the first aspect or a composition containing that compound. The active compound is preferably administered in a cumulative effective amount. The individual may be in need of the treatment or prevention. Any of the JNK-mediated disorders listed above in relation to the sixth aspect may be the subject of treatment or prevention according to the seventh aspect. One or more other active agent may be administered to the individual simultaneously, subsequently or sequentially to administering the compound. The other active agent may be an anti-inflammatory agent such as a p38 inhibitor, glutamate receptor antagonist, calcium channel antagonist, a chemotherapeutic agent or an antiproliferative agent, but is preferably p38 inhibitor for acute treatment.

The present invention provides the use of a compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia) in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a JNK-mediated disorder. The medicament may be used for treatment or prevention of any of the JNK-mediated disorders listed above in relation to the sixth aspect. Again, the compound of the present invention may be administered simultaneously, subsequently or sequentially with one or more other active agent, preferably a p38 inhibitor for acute treatment.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an assay for determining the activity of the compounds of the present invention, comprising providing a system for assaying the activity and assaying the activity of the compound. Preferably the assay is for the JNK inhibiting activity of the compound, more preferably it is for the JNK3-specific inhibiting activity of the compounds. The compounds of the invention may be assayed in vitro, in vivo, in silico, or in a primary cell culture or a cell line. In vitro assays include assays that determine inhibition of either the kinase activity or ATPase activity of activated JNK. Alternatively, in vitro assays may quantitate the ability of a compound to bind JNK and may be measured either by radiolabelling the compound prior to binding, then isolating the inhibitor/JNK complex and determining the amount of the radiolabel bound or by running a competition experiment where new inhibitors are incubated with JNK bound to known radioligands. An example of an assay which may be used is Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA), preferably using radiolabelled ATP. Another example is ELISA. Any type or isoform of JNK may be used in these assays.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of inhibiting the activity or function of a JNK, particularly JNK3, which method comprises exposing a JNK to a compound or a composition of the first or fourth aspect of the present invention. The method may be performed in a research model, in vitro, in silico, or in vivo such as in an animal model. A suitable animal model may be a kainic acid model in rat or mice, traumatic brain injury model in rat, or MPTP in mice.

All features of each of the aspects apply to all other aspects mutatis mutandis.

Below, the present invention is illustrated using non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Synthesis of example 3,5-substituted 7-azaindole derivative 11

3,3-Dibromo-1,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one (2)

Technical (90%) pyridinium tribromide (220.4 g, 0.62 mol) was added portionwise over a period of 30 min to a stirred suspension of 7-azaindole (1, 27.13 g, 0.23 mol) in t-BuOH (1.36 L). The mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h, and more pyridinium tribromide (73.3 g, 0.21 mol) was added in one portion. After additional stirring at r.t. for 2 h, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was separated between water:AcOEt=1:1 (4.2 L). The aqueous layer was extracted with AcOEt (2×800 mL). Combined organic solutions were washed with water (2×500 mL), brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to dyness in vacuum. The residue was triturated with CH₂Cl₂ (1500 mL) for 20 min. The solid was filtered off, washed with CH₂Cl₂ (250 mL) and dried in vacuum to afford 2 (49.85 g, 75%) as yellow powder. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.16 (dd, J=7.4, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (dd, J=7.4, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.19 (dd, J=5.1, 1.5 z, 1H), 11.97 (bs, 1H).

3,3,5-Tribromo-1,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one (3)

Bromine (13.4 mL, 0.262 mol) was added dropwise over a period of 30 min to a cooled (ice bath) and stirred suspension of 2 (37.86 g, 0.131 mol) in water:t-BuOH=1:1 (1500 mL). Cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. Then the solution was cooled to 15° C. and saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ (278 mL) was added. A yellow suspension, which was formed, was concentrated in vacuum (bath temperature <32° C.) until about 1000 mL of condensate was collected. The solid was filtered off, washed with water (200 mL), and dried in vacuum to afford 3 (40.85 g, 85%) as tan powder.

5-Bromo-1,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one (4)

Zinc dust (34.0 g, 0.52 mol) was added in small portion to a stirred suspension of 3 (40.85 g, 0.111 mol) in glacial acetic acid (1000 mL) at such a rate that the temperature was maintained between 20-25° C. (strongly exothermic reaction; external ice bath cooling). Addition took about 20 min. Cooling bath was removed and stirring was continued at r.t. for 2 h. The solid was filtered off, washed with toluene (50 mL) and triturated with CH₂Cl₂:MeOH=4:1 (2.5 L). The solution was decanted off and treated with 1.0 M aqueous Na₂CO₃ solution (170 mL). After stirring for 1 h the two layers were separated. The organic layer was washed again with 1.0 M aqueous Na₂CO₃ solution (50 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with CH₂Cl₂:MeOH=4:1 (10×100 mL). Combined organic solutions were dried with MgSO₄ (200 g) and concentrated. The residual solid was dissolved in THF (2000 mL) and insoluble material was filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness in vacuum to afford 4 (16.93 g, 72%) as tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.57 (s, 2H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 8.14 (m, 1H), 11.13 (bs, 1H).

5-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-1,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one (5)

A mixture of 4 (16.63 g, 78.5 mmol), 3-fluorophenylboronic acid (16.47 g, 117.7 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (2.73 g, 6.60 mmol), LiCl (9.95 g, 0.23 mol), 1.0 M aqueous Na₂CO₃ solution (196 mL, 0.196 mol) in EtOH (470 mL)—toluene (470 mL) was refluxed overnight. More Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (1.30 g, 3.14 mmol) was added and reflux was continued for 24 h. The mixture was cooled, and the organic layer was separated and washed with brine (100 mL). The washings were combined with the aqueous layer and extracted with AcOEt (4×400 mL). Combined extracts were washed with brine, added to the organic layer and dried with MgSO₄. The solution was concentrated to dryness in vacuum to give 26.98 g of brown semisolid, which was triturated with ether:hexane=1:1 (2×500 mL). The residue was dried in vacuum to afford 5 (16.85 g, 94%) as tan solid, which was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 3.66 (s, 2H), 7.08 (dddd, J=8.4, 8.2, 2.4, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (ddd, J=10.0, 2.4, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (ddd, J=8.1, 1.7, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (ddd, J=8.2, 8.1, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.98 (bs, 1H).

2-Chloro-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (6)

A suspension of 5 (16.52 g, 72.4 mmol) in neat P(O)Cl₃ (21.5 mL, 0.231 mol) was stirred at 100-105° C. for 4 h. The mixture was then cooled to rt., diluted with p-xylene (100 mL) and concentrated to dryness in vacuum. The residue was separated between saturated aqueous NaHCO₃— AcOEt. 10% aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ was added to basify the aqueous layer to pH 9. Organic phase was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with AcOEt (8×300 mL). Combined organic solutions were dried MgSO₄, concentrated, and the residue was purified by silicagel chromatography (SGC) using CH₂Cl₂:AcOEt as eluent in gradient to afford recovered starting material 5 (0.76 g, 5%). The desired product was then crystallized from acetone to afford 6 (10.06 g, 56%), thin tan needles. ¹H NMR (400 M CDCl₃) δ 6.47 (s, 1H), 7.08 (tdd, J=8.1, 2.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (ddd, J=9.9, 2.3, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.48 (m, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 11.46 (bs, 1H).

5-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (7)

A mixture of chloride 6 (5.23 g, 21.3 mmol), 10% Pd/C (2.7 g), Et₃N (3.6 mL, 25.8 mmol) in THF:MeOH=5:1 (180 mL) was stirred under H₂ overnight. More 10% Pd/C (1.3 g) was added and stirring was continued for 3 h. Catalyst was removed by filtration and the solution was concentrated to dryness in vacuum. The residue was purified by SGC with CH₂Cl₂:AcOEt as eluent in gradient (up to 20% AcOEt) to afford 7 (5.23 g, 88%), greenish powder. ¹H NMR (400 MD, CDCl₃) δ 6.59 (dd, J=3.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.48 (m, 3H), 8.14 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.57 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 9.91 (bs, 1H).

1-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyl)-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (8)

2.5 M solution of n-BuLi in hexane (13.7 mL, 34.3 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred and cooled (−78° C.) solution of azaindole 7 (6.04 g, 28.5 mmol) in THF (30 mL). After the mixture was stirred for 10 min at −78° C., DMAP (66 mg, 0.54 mmol) was added, followed by a solution of TBSCl (5.14 g, 34.1 mmol) in THF (2.5 mL). The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. Cooling bath was removed, the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 days, and separated between AcOEt:saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with AcOEt (3×). Combined organic solutions were dried (MgSO₄), concentrated, and separated by means of SGC with hexane:benzene as eluent in gradient (up to 15% benzene) to afford 8 (7.50 g, 81%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.67 (s, 6H), 0.96 (s, 9H), 6.59 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.99-7.07 (m, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (ddd, J=10.9, 3.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.44 (m, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H).

3-Bromo-1-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyl)-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (9)

A solution of Br₂ (1.12 mL, 21.8 mmol) in CCl₄ was added dropwise to a stirred and cooled (0° C.) solution of 8 (7.10 g, 21.8 mmol) and pyridine (2.1 mL, 26.2 mmol) in dry CHCl₃ (330 mL). Progress of the reaction was followed by TLC. When the reaction was completed, aqueous NaHCO₃—Na₂S₂O₃ solution was added. The organic solution was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×100 mL). Combined organic solutions were dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and purified by SGC with hexane:benzene as eluent in gradient (up to 14% benzene) to afford 9 (8.47 g, 91%) as tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.65 (s, 6H), 0.97 (s, 9H), 7.02-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.33-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H).

1-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyl)-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid (10)

1.7 M solution of t-BuLi in pentane (24.8 mL, 42.2 mmol) was added dropwise over a period of 25 min to a stirred and cooled (−78° C.) solution of 9 (8.20 g, 20.3 mmol) in THF (93 in L) at such a rate that the temperature did not exceed −65° C. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 1 h at −78° C. Dry gaseous CO₂ was introduced to the flask over a period of 10 min (exothermic reaction, external dry ice bath). When the exothermic reaction subsided, cooling bath was removed, and the mixture was allowed to reach 0° C. The mixture was then separated between brine-AcOEt. The aqueous layer was extracted with AcOEt (2×). Combined organic solutions were dried dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and purified by SGC with CH₂Cl₂:AcOEt as eluent in gradient (up to 12% AcOEt) to afford 10 (5.74 g, 76%) as tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.71 (s, 6H), 0.99 (s, 9H), 7.05-7.12 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.50 (m, 2H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H).

5-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid benzylamide (11)

To a solution of benzylamine (4.4 μL, 40.3 μmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 mL) was added carboxylic acid 10 (15 mg, 40.5 μmol), WSCHCl (9.32 mg, 44.86 μmol), HOBT (5.5 mg, 40.5 μmol) and i-Pr₂NEt (7.1 μL, 40.8 μmol) and the reaction mixture left to stir at r.t. overnight Separation by LCMS (CombiPrep ODS-AM column) using water—acetonitrile as eluent (in gradient) afforded amide 11 (2.33 mg, 17%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.70 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 6.18 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.44 (m, 8H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 8.57 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.66 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H).

An example of the synthesis of the intermediate VI in which R″ is not hydrogen will now be described:

Synthesis of Example 2,5-disubstituted 7-azaindole derivative 14

1-Benzenesulfonyl-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (12)

2.5 M solution of n-Bui in hexane (2.47 mL, 6.18 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred and cooled (−78° C.) solution of azaindole 7 (1.088 g, 5.13 mmol) in THF (5.5 mL). After the mixture was stirred for 20 min at −78° C., neat PhSO₂Cl (0.785 mL, 6.2 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture turned brown. Stirring at −78° C. was continued for 0.5 b. Cooling bath was removed, the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight, and separated between AcOEt:saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with AcOEt (2×5 mL). Combined organic solutions were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄), concentrated, and separated by means of SGC with hexane:AcOEt as eluent in gradient to afford 12 (1.6705 g, 92%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.66 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (dddd, J=8.4, 8.0, 2.5, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (ddd, J=9.9, 2.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (ddd, J=7.8, 1.7, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (ddd, J=8.0, 7.8, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.21-8.26 (m, 2H), 8.63 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H).

1-Benzenesulfonyl-2-ethyl-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (13)

1.7 M solution of t-BuLi in pentane (0.71 mL, 1.20 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred and cooled (−78° C.) solution of 12 (352.0 mg, 1.00 mmol) in THF (2.0 mL). The mixture turned red-brown. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 30 min at −78° C. Neat EtI (150 μL, 1.88 mol) was added in one portion, and the mixture was allowed to reach 0° C. over a period of 1 h 15 min. The reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. The mixture was then extracted with AcOEt (3×3 mL). Combined organic solutions were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and purified by SGC with hexane:AcOEt as eluent in gradient to afford 13 (138.5 mg, 36%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.42 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 3.21 (qd, J=7.3, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 6.39 (t, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (dddd, J=8.4, 8.0, 2.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (ddd, J=9.9, 2.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (ddd, J=7.7, 1.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (ddd, J=8.0, 7.7, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.57 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H).

2-Ethyl-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[Z_(I)3-b]pyridine (14)

A mixture of 13 (50.0 mg, 0.132 mmol) and 10% aqueous solution of NaOH (1.5 mL) in abs EtOH (3.0 mL) was refluxed for 40 min, cooled and diluted with water (10 mL). White precipitate which appeared was filtered off, washed with water (10 m) and dried in vacuum to afford 14 (27.95 mg, 88%) as white solid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.42 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 2.89 (qd, J=7.6, 0.8 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (dt, J=2.1, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.02-7.09 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1), 9.70 (bs,

Examples of Inhibitory Potency Against JNK3 Kinase

JNK1, JNK27 JNK3—SPA Assay

A typical assay for testing the activity of compounds to inhibit JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3 enzymes is as follows:

1. Compound is dissolved in DMSO to a convenient concentration and this is diluted in 10% DMSO to a five times concentrate of the desired starting concentration (frequently 1:100).

2. 10 μl of 500 mM EDTA is added to alternative wells of the Opti-plate row, which will receive kinase reaction plus DMSO. This creates the negative control.

3. For the JNK2 and JNK3 assay, compounds are prepared in six 2-fold dilutions with water and each concentration is tested in duplicate. For the JNK1 assay compounds are prepared in four 5-fold dilutions with water which are tested in triplicate. Controls are treated identically.

4. 20 μl per well of each compound concentration is transferred to an Opti-plate, in duplicate.

5. 30 μl (JNK2/3 SPA) or 50 μl (JNK1 SPA) of substrate solution (25 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10 mM magnesium acetate with 3.33 μm ATP (JNK2/3) or 2 μM ATP (JNK1), approximately 7.5 kBq [γ-33P] ATP, GST-c-Jun, in water) is added to each well.

6. 50 μl (JNK2/3 SPA) or 30 μl (JNK1 SPA) of kinase solution (JNK in 25 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10 mM Mg Acetate) is added to each well. Kinase Kinase per well (μg) GST-c-Jun per well (μg) JNK1 0.25 1 JNK2 0.2 1.2 JNK3 0.16 1.2

7. The plate is incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature.

8. 100 μl of bead/stop solution is added to each well (5 mg/ml glutathione-PVT-SPA beads, 40 M ATP in PBS).

9. Plates are sealed and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature, centrifuged for 10 minutes at 2500 g and counted.

10. The IC50 values are calculated as the concentration of the compound being tested at which the phosphorylation of c-Jun is decreased to 50% of the control value. Example IC50 values for the compounds of this invention are given in Table 1.

Examples of Inhibitory Potency Against JNK3 Kinase

TABLE 1 IC₅₀ values for selected compounds against JNK3 kinase JNK3 Compound IC₅₀ (μM)

0.78

0.85

0.52 

1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: R stands for carbocyclyl, substituted carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or substituted heterocyclyl, wherein the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or optionally substituted heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to an unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms, each substitutable carbon atom in R, including the optional fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl, halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below and wherein: the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)— wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below; the C₁₋₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR² COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²; wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below and the carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, each saturated carbon in the optional fused ring is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, ═NNHR², NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below; and each substitutable nitrogen atom in R is optionally substituted by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN, NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂, S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R³ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN, NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂, S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; R′ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which is optionally substituted, wherein: the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to one to three unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered rings containing zero to three heteroatoms, each substitutable carbon atom in R′, including the optional fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above and wherein: the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR, SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups; each saturated carbon in R′, including the optional fused ring, is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and each substitutable nitrogen atom in R′ is optionally substituted by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R² wherein each R² and R³ may be the same or different and is as defined above; R″ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which is optionally substituted, wherein: the said carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl is optionally fused to one to three unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms, each substitutable carbon atom in R″, including the optional fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below and wherein: the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporate one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—; the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, unsaturated or partly saturated cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR²R², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, are optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₂ alkyl each saturated carbon in R″, including the optional fused ring, is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and each substitutable nitrogen atom in R″, is optionally substituted by R³, COR³, SO₂ R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the same or different and is as defined above; X is NR⁵; O, S or C₁₋₄ alkylene that is optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above and R⁵ is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and Y is absent or is NR⁶, O, CR⁶R⁶, or C₁₋₄ alkylene wherein each R⁶ may be the same or different and is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and Z is O, S or NR⁷ wherein each R⁷ may be the same or different and is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more of halide, OR⁸, NR⁸R⁸ or aryl, where each R⁸ may be the same or different and stand for H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and other pharmaceutically acceptable biohydrolyzable derivatives thereof selected from the group comprising esters, amides, carbamates, carbonates, ureides, solvates, hydrates, affinity reagents and prodrugs thereof.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, having the formula (Ia);

wherein R stands for carbocyclyl, substituted carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or substituted heterocyclyl, wherein the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or optionally substituted heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to an unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms, each substitutable carbon atom in R, including the optional fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl, halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below and wherein: the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)— wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below; the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R²; wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below and the carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, each saturated carbon in the optional fused ring is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, ═NNHR², NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined below; and each substitutable nitrogen atom in R² is optionally substituted by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R², wherein each R² and R³ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO₂, CN, NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂, S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R³ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, OR⁴, SR⁴, NO, CN, NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CONR⁴R⁴, NR⁴COR⁴, NR⁴CO₂R⁴, CO₂R⁴, COR⁴, CONR⁴ ₂, S(O)₂R⁴, SONH₂, S(O)R⁴, SO₂ NR⁴R⁴, NR⁴S(O)₂R⁴, wherein the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R⁴)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R⁴ may be the same or different and is as defined below; R⁴ is hydrogen, C₄ alkyl, or C₄ haloalkyl; R′ is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which is optionally substituted, wherein: the optionally substituted carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl group is optionally fused to one to three unsaturated, partially unsaturated or fully saturated five to seven membered rings containing zero to three heteroatoms, each substitutable carbon atom in R′, including the optional fused ring, is optionally and independently substituted by one or more of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂ NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above and wherein: the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally incorporates one or two insertions selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(O)—, —N(R²)—, —S(O)— and —S(O₂)—, wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; the C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR² CO₂R², CO₂R², COR²², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and the C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups; each saturated carbon in R′, including the optional fused ring, is further optionally and independently substituted by ═O, ═S, NNR²R², ═N—OR², ═NNHCOR², ═NNHCO₂R², ═NNSO₂R², or ═NR², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above; and each substitutable nitrogen atom in R′ is optionally substituted by R³, COR², SO₂R² or CO₂R² wherein each R² and R³ may be the same or different and is as defined above; X is NR⁵, O, S or C₁₋₄ alkylene that is optionally substituted by one or more of halogen, haloalkyl, OR², SR², NO₂, CN, NR²R², NR²COR², NR²CONR²R², NR²COR², NR²CO₂R², CO₂R², COR², CONR²R², S(O)₂R², SONH₂, S(O)R², SO₂NR²R², NR²S(O)₂R², wherein each R² may be the same or different and is as defined above and R⁵ is H, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl; and Y is absent or is NR⁶, O, CR⁶R⁶, or C₁₋₄ alkylene wherein each R⁶ may be the same or different and is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy or C₁₋₄ haloalkyl.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R is an aryl or heteroaryl radical, optionally substituted with one or more of alkyl, haloalkyl, halogen, OR⁹, SR⁸, SOR⁹, N(R⁹)₂, wherein each R⁹ may be the same or different and stand for hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or haloalkyl.
 4. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R is an optionally substituted aryl, selected from group consisting of phenyl or napthyl.
 5. A compound as claimed in claim 4, wherein R is phenyl substituted in the 3-(meta) position.
 6. A compound as claimed in claim 4, wherein R is substituted aryl and the substituent is F, Cl, Br, haloalkyl, or alkyl.
 7. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R′ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl.
 8. A compound as claimed in claim 7, wherein Y stands for an alkylene group.
 9. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R′ stands for aryl, or a heteroaryl containing up to 3 hetero atoms, or a cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group, each of which may be fused to one or more aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl rings, each optionally substituted by one or more of alkyl, halide alkyl haloalkyl, alkoxy or haloalkoxy.
 10. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R″ is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl.
 11. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein X is NR⁵, most preferably NH, or a straight chain or branched C₁₋₄ alkylene.
 12. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein Y is either absent or a straight of branched chain C₁₋₄.
 13. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein Y is NR⁶.
 14. A compound as claimed in claim 13, wherein X stands for NR⁵ wherein R⁵ is as defined in claim
 1. 15. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein Z is O.
 16. A compound as claimed in claim 1 selected from


17. A prodrug of a compound as defined in claim
 1. 18. A process for the manufacture of a compound of claim 1 which comprises condensing a compound of the general formula (II) with the compound of the general formula (III):

in which R, R′, R″ X and Y are as defined above, Z is O, R¹³ stands for C₁₋₆ straight or branched alkyl and L¹ and L² stand for radicals that together form a condensation product, e.g. H and OH, to form the compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia) as defined in claim 1 above, in which Z stands for oxygen.
 19. A process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the compound of the general formula (II) (in which Z stands for 0 and L¹ stands for OH) is formed by reacting a compound of the general formula (VIII)

in which R₁₃, R and R″ are as defined in claim 18 and hal stands for a halogen atom, with an alkali metal alkyl and then reacting the product so obtained with CO₂.
 20. A process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the compound of the general formula (VIII) is formed by halogenating the compound of the formula (VII) in the 3 position

in which R₁₃, R and R″ are as defined in claim
 18. 21. A process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the compound of the general formula (VII) is formed by reacting a compound of the general formula (VI)

in which R and R″ are as defined in claim 18, with an alkali metal alkyl followed by reacting the product so obtained with R¹³ ₃Si-hal, in which R₁₃, is as defined in claim 18 and hal stands for a halogen atom.
 22. A process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the compound of the general formula (VI), in which R″ stands for hydrogen, is formed by hydrogenating a compound of the general formula (V):

in which R is as defined in claim 18 and hal stands for a halogen atom.
 23. A process as claimed in claim 21, wherein the compound of the general formula (VI), in which R″ is as defined in claim 18 except that it does not stand for hydrogen, is formed by protecting the compound of the general formula (VI),

in which R″ stands for hydrogen, in the 1 position with a suitable protecting group to form a compound of the general formula (IX)

in which R is as defined in claim 18 and prot stands for the protecting group, and treating the compound of the general formula (IX) with an alkali metal alky, e.g. an alkyl lithium, and then with a compound R″-hal (where hal stands for a halogen and R″ is as defined in claim 18 except that it does not stand for hydrogen) to form the compound of the general formula (X)

in which R and R″ are is as defined in claim 18 except that R″ does not stand for hydrogen and in which prot stands for the protecting group, and removing the protecting group to form a compound of the general formula (VI) in which R and R″ are as defined in claim 18 except that R″ does not stand for hydrogen.
 24. A process as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the compound of the general formula (VI) is selected from:


25. A process as claimed in any one of claims 22 and 23, wherein the compound of the general formula (VI), in which R″ stands for hydrogen, is formed by hydrogenating a compound of the general formula (V),

in which R is as defined in claim 18 and hal stands for a halogen atom, e.g. using hydrogen and a catalyst such as Pd—C.
 26. A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the compound of the general formula (V) is formed by halogenating a compound of the general formula (IV) in the 2 position,

in which R is as defined in claim
 18. 27. A process as claimed in claim 18, which includes the further step of converting the compound of the general formula (I) in which Z stands for O into a compound of the general formula (I) in which Z stands for S or NR⁷.
 28. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in claim 1 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
 29. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 28 further comprising one or more other active agent.
 30. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 29 wherein the composition further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent.
 31. A process for the manufacture of a composition as defined in claim 28, comprising combining a compound as defined in claim 1, and any additional active agent, with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 32. A compound as defined in claim 1, or a composition as defined in claim 28, for us in therapy.
 33. A method for inhibiting JNK the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the formulation of claim
 28. 34. The method of claim 33 wherein JNK is JNK3.
 35. A method for the prevention or treatment of JNK-mediated disorder, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof the pharmaceutical formulation of claim
 28. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the disorder is a neurodegenerative disorder, an inflammatory disease, a disorder linked to apoptosis, neuronal apoptosis, an autoimmune disease, destructive bone disorder, proliferative disorder, cancer, infectious disease, allergy, ischemia reperfusion injury, heart attack, angiogenic disorder, organ hypoxia, vascular hyperplasia, cardiac hypertrophy, thrombin induced platelet aggregation and/or a condition associated with prostaglandin endoperoxidase synthase-2.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is linked to apoptosis and/or is an inflammatory disease.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is: dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Huntington's disease; senile chorea; Sydenham's chorea; hypoglycemia; head and spinal cord trauma, traumatic head injury; acute pain; chronic pain; epilepsy, seizures; olivopontocerebellar dementia; neuoronal cell death; hypoxia-related neurodegeneration; acute hypoxia; glutamate toxicity, glutamate neurotoxicity; cerebral ischemia; dementia linked to meningitis and/or dementia linked to neurosis; cerebrovascular dementia; or dementia in an HIV-infected patient
 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is a peripheral neuropathy, mononeuropathy, multiple mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy, Lyme disease, uremia; peripheral neuropathy caused by a toxic agent; a demyelinating disease; multiple mononeuropathy secondary to a collagen vascular disorder; multiple mononeuropathy secondary to sarcoidosis; multiple mononeuropathy secondary to a metabolic disease; or multiple mononeuropathy secondary to an infectious disease.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein the disorder is inflammatory bowel disorder; bronchitis; asthma; acute pancreatitis; chronic pancreatitis; allergies of various types; Alzheimer's disease; autoimmune disease; systemic lupus; erythematosus; glumerulonephritis; scleroderma; chronic thyroiditis; Graves's disease; autoimmune gastritis; diabetes; autoimmune haemolytis anaemia; autoimmune neutropaenia; thrombocytopenia; atopic dermatitis; chronic active hepatitis; myasthenia gravis; multiple sclerosis; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; psoriasis; or graft vs host disease.
 41. (canceled)
 42. (canceled)
 43. (canceled)
 44. (canceled)
 45. (canceled)
 46. (canceled)
 47. (canceled)
 48. The method of claim 38, wherein one or more other active agent is administered to the individual simultaneously, subsequently or sequentially to administering the compound.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the other active agent is an anti-inflammatory agent.
 50. (canceled)
 51. (canceled)
 52. (canceled)
 53. (canceled)
 54. (canceled)
 55. (canceled)
 56. (canceled)
 57. (canceled)
 58. An assay for determining the activity of the compounds as defined in claim 1, comprising providing a system for assaying the activity and assaying the activity of a compound as defined in claim
 1. 59. An assay as claimed in claim 58, wherein the assay is for the JNK inhibiting activity of the compound.
 60. An assay as claimed in claim 58, wherein the assay is a Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA).
 61. (canceled)
 62. A method as claimed in claim 61, which is performed in a research model.
 63. A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the research model is an animal model.
 64. A compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein an R is F-substituted aryl.
 65. A compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein the haloalkyl is CF₃.
 66. A compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein alkyl is methyl, ethyl or propyl. 